MovieChat Forums > Point Break (1991) Discussion > bodhi theory - spoilers

bodhi theory - spoilers

posted 3 years ago by daveyh (597)
17 replies | jump to latest

my theory is that Bodhi knew exactly who Utah was and why he was there as soon as he saw Tyler teaching him to surf.
It would explain his instant acceptance of Utah in to his previously close-knit group, it would explain him coming to his rescue at Latigo beach - he may even have been tailing him and that's why he so conveniently showed up. Most of all it would explain why, during the discussion about Warchild's gang, Bodhi didn't blink when Utah said "what kind of stuff? Illegal stuff" - the most obvious undercover cop thing an undercover could say.
Bodhi was a thrillseeker so it makes sense that he'd have got off on having AN F . B . I . AGENT around and being able to turn the very person who was supposed to stop him into one of them. Talk about the ultimate ride

[–] moviechatterer (13948) 3 years ago

Good theory , that totally could be what happened.

he did pretty much that for the "third reel" , he couldve been doing it all along

[–] millsey72 (9742) 2 years ago

This story is a work of fiction. There was nothing suggested on screen about your theory

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

They are trying to use their brain. That is a good thing!

[–] millsey72 (9742) 2 years ago

I wish moviechatterer would use his brain on election day instead of on here

[–] Otter (24464) 2 years ago

It's my theory that he took one look at the beautiful Utah and fell in love.

No, really! This is one of the most homoerotic movies ever made, and the dramatic tension comes from the fact that the two leads are at cross-purposes, yet hugely attracted to each other.

[–] Wuchak (8268) 2 years ago

There's nothing "homoerotic" about this movie. Romantically speaking, both Bodhi and Utah were clearly into women since Bodhi was Tyler's former beau and Utah became her present beau.

Bodhi was a charismatic guru type who attracted certain people to his anti-establishment lifestyle and the freedoms thereof, sorta in the manner of a hypnotic cult leader. If the OP's theory is true, Bodhi discerned that he could convert Utah and did in some ways since Utah helps in the climatic robbery (albeit under duress) and Utah let's Bodhi go at the end (to die free surfing the big wave) while he discards his badge in the ocean.

Usually when a guy is attracted to another guy it's purely due to friendship needs or he instinctively knows the other male has something he requires (and possibly vice versa). The latter could be interpreted as a follower needing a leader, at least for a season. Yet while Utah could learn a thing or two from the more seasoned Bodhi, if Bodhi's wise he could also learn something from Utah.

[–] BillySlater (4126) 2 years ago

Otter thinks all the straight male friendships onscreen are gay/have a gay subtext because he is gay himself and its very likely his fantasy.

[–] Otter (24464) 2 years ago

Most male friendships in movies are just friendships, but not this one! No, those guys WANT MORE. They're burning with attraction!

And if you ever get a girlfriend, you'll learn to recognize the difference too.

[–] BillySlater (4126) 2 years ago

This isn´t the first time you have brought up "gay subtext" in movies where there is no hint of the characters being gay. Weird assumption about me not having a girlfriend, (not sure how that has any relevance to this). I am married, fyi.

[–] Wuchak (8268) 2 years ago

When someone interprets practically every male relationship as having hints of "homoeroticism" it tells you everything you need to know.

[–] BillySlater (4126) 2 years ago

I wasn´t having a dig at him but I definitely thinks he suffers from some bias since he has openly admitted to being gay.

[–] Heisenberg (6442) 2 years ago

Interesting theory, but there is nothing in the movie to suggest it.

Keep in mind that it skips over Utah getting really accepted there.
He is with Tyler. Then they are hanging around the fire (thanks to Tyler).
Then they play fooball and Bodhi recognizes him.
That is when he gets in, but beforehand he was probably kept away and out.

Main problem is: how would Bodhi ever know that he is an agent?
Is he a mind reader? Are fbi agents on a public list?

[–] Callahan7 (963) 2 years ago

I thought it was improbable that Bodhi would recognize a college quarterback. He has been a surfer for a long time. Why would he recognize some obscure college football player? Johnny Utah was only 25 so his football days were pretty recent.

He sees the new guy on the beach make a few throws in a pick-up game with surfers and he recognizes him?

Possible. Unlikely imo.

If Utah was that well-known the FBI would not select him for undercover work. You want agents that will not be recognized.

[–] Heisenberg (6442) 2 years ago

1 college football stars are quite famous, som are celebrities. Bodhi clearly is a fan

2 what would be a problem with a famous ex football star joining the FBI?
Nobody wold know what he did afterwards. If anything it is advantageous to be known as something OTHER than a cop. Only caveat is, he cannot use other names while undercover.
As we see in the movie, Johnny Utah the lawyer is totally a good cover.

[–] Callahan7 (963) 2 years ago

Could be.

"Bodhi clearly is a fan."

He doesn't seem like the type who would be a football fan.

Just an observation. No big deal. I don't consider it a "goof".

"2 what would be a problem with a famous ex football star joining the FBI?"

No problem joining the FBI. But deep undercover work? He would be unsuited for that because he could be recognized.

I like this film. I am not overly critical when I watch movies like Point Break. I am willing to suspend disbelief to a degree if it is a good film.

[–] moviechatterer (13948) 2 years ago

I'm willing to bet undercover agents dont use their real name.

[–] Callahan7 (963) a year ago

Of course they don't use their real name. If he was famous he could be recognized on sight even using a fictitious name. That is why he would be unsuited for undercover work.

Once again- I like this film. I am not overly critical when I watch movies like Point Break. I am willing to suspend disbelief to a degree if it is a good film.